When to Plant Valerian in Pershing County, NV
Valerian is a tall perennial herb with fragrant white or pink flower clusters, valued for its root which is used as a natural sleep aid. It attracts pollinators and earthworms.
Pershing County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 23 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 123 days.
At an elevation of 4,541 feet, Pershing County receives approximately 16.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 100°F, so Valerian may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Valerian will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Valerian successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Pershing County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7-8.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Valerian
Valerian needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Valerian Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Pershing County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Valerian Planting Timeline — Pershing County, NV
Valerian Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 13 |
| Harvest | October 3 | Oct 3 – Dec 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | Harvest |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
120–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
123 days in Pershing County
Growing Tips for Pershing County
Start seeds indoors and transplant after last frost. Harvest roots in fall of the second year. Deadhead flowers unless you want self-seeding. Cats are attracted to valerian root.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Valerian in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Valerian in Pershing County, NV?
Pershing County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 23. Plan your Valerian planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pershing County, NV?
Pershing County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 23 and first fall frost is September 23.
Your Pershing County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pershing County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.